Book 67 - When the Writing Falls Away

Title: Funny Boy

Author: Shyam Selvadurai

Genre: Historical lgbtq+ fiction

Selvadurai leads us on a story of discovery and family and tragedy through Arjie's observant and inquisitive voice, with lovely, clear prose that just falls away as you read - as though you're standing right there beside Arjie as he recounts his experience. That right there is the mark of excellent writing!

In this fairly short piece of work, the author manages to address class and political issues in Sri Lanka in the 80s (I think), as well as gender issues experienced not only by Arjie as a young boy coming into his own sexuality, but also by the members of his family - his mother, father, brother, aunts, etc.

This story is a breath of fresh air, with the perfect balance of historical backdrop and personal drama/discovery.

Rating: 👰🏾👰🏾👰🏾👰🏾/5